Claressa Shields Says She'll Put Laila Ali “On Her Back” After Discussing A Comeback

The Netflix-broadcasted fight between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor on Friday (July 11) sparked headlines. It was an all-women’s card, held at Madison Square Garden, and set a Guinness World Record for the most world championship belts ever contested (17) in a single boxing event. However, tensions spilled over behind-the-scenes when Laila Ali — who is arguably the greatest female boxer in history— was asked about getting in the ring with current champion fighter, Claressa Shields. The 47-year-old was asked if she’d come out of retirement to fight Shields. She replied, “The rumor that I heard is that unless somebody has $15, $20 million, don’t even call me [about a fight against Shields]. That’s all I got.” Ali continued, “I said unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we’re not even gonna have a conversation. I’m not trying to come back and fight, but if someone offered that kind of money, I would actually have to think about it. Do I look like I can fight again? I think so too. Shields heard about Ali’s commentary and tweeted on Sunday (July 13), “What a great weekend of boxing! Really motivated! Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW! Be careful what you ask for ! You know I’ve been wanting to make you eat your words! You not a better boxer than me & at 175 I’ll put you on your back! BEEN READY FOR YOU! #GWOAT @claressashields”. Shields accused Ali of being “jealous” of her success. However, Ali has no beef with the 30-year-old. “You can think you can beat me. That’s fine. You’re supposed to think that. But to start going in on my legacy, what I have and haven’t done… that’s a lot,” Ali stated.

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